Buying Vehicles in Canada - Importing into US

[asphaltgambler]

Hey guys! - I know this topic was discussed previously but I want to be clear. If I am looking to purchase early / vintage (pre 1975) vehicles in Canada then transport them to good 'ol Va then title them what are the headaches involved?

Please be specific - Thanks

[john walker's workshop]

a US dot sticker in the door jamb is one thing, to show it relates to US emission requirements.

[Deschodt]

I did that years ago with a 356. I don't recall the exact details, but I remember you have to declare you are bringing money in Canada if above 10K, you need a one day Canada insurance/registration tag if you drive over the border, and you need to stop at the US border to declare your purchase. Then local DMV will inspect the car for VIN and bob's your uncle...
Since you said "transport", you probably avoided 1/2 the problems. It wasn't hard as I recall.

[asphaltgambler]

Well.........if the vehicle is a 1967 I am certain there were no emssions of any kind. So in this case; is it as simple as purchasing over the net, paying through Paypal then have the vehicle transported via large carrier to Va?

[LakeCleElum]

I did a motorcycle a few years ago.....It didn't even have a title as Alberta issued not titles to motorcycles back then.
1) Talk to a supervisor at the border crossing you will be using, record his/her name. This is important as each crossing will give different info.
2) I just needed a bill of sale and go inside to have customs fill out a form to take to my DMV.
3) If over 25 yrs, no worry about emissions, US DOT regs, etc.
4) My seller offered to bring it down to me, but it was not legal for him transport over the border for purpose of a sale.

Seller met me on north side of the border, I loaded up and it was a 5 minute stop to get the form, no fee, no duty owed. They didn't even come out to inspect the bike or look at the VIN........G'luck

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Well.........if the vehicle is a 1967 I am certain there were no emssions of any kind. So in this case; is it as simple as purchasing over the net, paying through Paypal then have the vehicle transported via large carrier to Va?

Would you have it inspected by anybody prior to an unseen purchase? We have more issues re rust, corrosion etc. Unless of course you are getting it super cheap?

[kaisen]

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/278/~/importing-classic-or-antique-vehicles-%2F-cars-for-personal-use

Generally, classic or antique vehicles are exempt from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) pollution and safety requirements.
•If the vehicle is at least 21 years old, there are no EPA compliance requirements upon importation.
•If the vehicle is 25 years old or more, it does not have to comply with the DOT's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to be imported permanently. The age of the vehicle is determined by subtracting the calendar year of manufacture from the calendar year of importation.
•If the calendar year of manufacture is unavailable, the importer may substitute the model year or year of first registration. For instance, to qualify in 2012 for avoiding EPA requirements, the vehicle must have been manufactured in 1991 or earlier; for avoiding DOT as well as EPA requirements, the vehicle must have been manufactured in 1987. To import a classic car, no approval from EPA is required, nor must the importer post a Customs bond. The importer must demonstrate to CBP the vehicle or engine was manufactured prior to the qualifying date. Documents such as a title or letter from the original manufacturer may be used for this purpose.

The importer must file with CBP, upon entry, an EPA form 3520-1 (with a copy of title, etc. attached) and declare code "E" on that form. CBP may waive this requirement for nonresidents traveling temporarily in the U.S. in Mexican or Canadian registered vehicles with no intent to sell the vehicle. You can also obtain the form by calling EPA at 734-214-4100.

The importer is also required to file a DOT form HS-7, which may be available at the port of entry and can be downloaded from the DOT Web site or by calling the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
•
If the car is old enough to be exempt from DOT requirements (the same documents that would confirm this for EPA purposes should also address this issue) the importer may check the block on the HS-7 stating the vehicle does not have to confirm to DOT requirements.

•If the vehicle is not old enough to be exempt from DOT requirements, the importer will have to provide proof that the car conforms to DOT safety regulations. Options include a letter from the original manufacturer or a sticker on the inside of the driver's door indicating that the car was manufactured to U.S. standards.
•If the importer is unable to prove that a car conforms to DOT requirements, it will have to be imported through a Registered Importer (RI). Classic or antique vehicles are subject to a 2.5% duty rate, which is based on its worth at the time of import. Canadian-made vehicles are generally duty free, provided the importer has valid proof of its origin.